Winnipeg sports news: Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea will not say yet whether Zach Collaros will be ready for the East Final, leaving Winnipeg’s biggest quarterback question open one week before the trip to Montreal.
By Maplestime Sports Desk | Winnipeg, Manitoba | October 31, 2026
Sources: TSN | Last updated: October 31, 2026
Key Takeaways
- O’Shea told reporters Saturday he will not speculate on Collaros for the East Final.
- Collaros missed the 25 to 22 East Semifinal win over Toronto because of a rib injury.
- Dru Brown started in Toronto, threw for 206 yards and 2 touchdowns, and led the winning drive.
- Winnipeg visits Montreal for the East Final on Saturday, November 7.
- O’Shea said he will give veterans as much time as they need to get ready, according to TSN’s Matthew Scianitti.
What O’Shea Said
O’Shea kept it short and kept the door open. He told reporters Saturday he will not speculate on whether Collaros will be ready to play in the East Final against the Montreal Alouettes next week. Per the team, Collaros was not able to play in the thrilling 25 to 22 victory in the East Semifinal because of a rib injury.
That is the whole update for now. No timeline. No practice plan. Just time for a veteran quarterback to get ready, on his own clock.
Why Brown Matters If Collaros Cannot Go
Dru Brown got the start against Toronto and delivered when it mattered most. He finished 18 of 30 passing for 206 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He led Winnipeg on the game winning drive, capped by a touchdown pass to Nic Demski with less than a minute remaining.
Brown already proved he can carry this offence in a must win spot. He took over late in the regular season finale win over BC and finished that game with 2 touchdown passes. If Collaros is not ready for Montreal, Winnipeg does not have to guess about its backup. It has already seen him win a playoff game.
What Collaros Has Dealt With This Season
Collaros, 38, has struggled with injuries in his 14th season in the CFL. In addition to the rib injury that held him out of the East Semifinal, he missed time with a neck injury earlier in the campaign. In 12 games, he completed 236 of 335 passes for 2,989 yards and 15 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.
That history is why O’Shea’s patience matters. A rushed return helps no one if the ribs are not ready for a full game in Montreal.
What Comes Next
Winnipeg travels to Montreal for the East Final on Saturday, November 7. The winner moves one step closer to the Grey Cup. The quarterback call will shape the whole week, and it will likely come late, because that is how O’Shea has handled Collaros all season.
Watch practice reports and the depth chart. Until then, the answer is the one O’Shea gave Saturday: no speculation, just time.
Maplestime will provide updates from the Collaros East Final story as announcements are made.
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Do you think Collaros should get the start in Montreal if he is healthy enough to play, or should Winnipeg stick with the hot hand in Brown? Tell us in the comments. And share this with every Bombers fan following the road to the Grey Cup.
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